- SoftBank is in discussions to secure a $16 billion loan for AI investments and may borrow an additional $8 billion in early 2026.
- The Stargate venture, backed by Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, plans to invest up to $500 billion to maintain U.S. leadership in AI.
SoftBank Group is in discussions to secure a $16 billion loan to bolster its investments in artificial intelligence (AI), according to a report by The Information. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report reveals that SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son conveyed this plan to banks last week.
Additionally, the Japanese technology conglomerate may seek another $8 billion in early 2026.
This move aligns with SoftBank's broader push into AI. In January, SoftBank was in talks to invest up to $25 billion in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This would be in addition to the $15 billion the conglomerate has already committed to Stargate.
The Information previously disclosed that SoftBank aimed to invest a total of $40 billion in both Stargate and OpenAI. The company had also begun discussions to secure up to $18.5 billion in financing, leveraging its publicly-listed assets.
Stargate, a joint initiative by Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, is designed to propel AI advancements in the U.S. The venture intends to invest up to $500 billion to maintain the country's competitive edge in the global AI landscape, particularly against China and other rivals.
The initiative was formally introduced at the White House in January by U.S. President Donald Trump, SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison.
SoftBank’s aggressive investment strategy underscores its commitment to shaping the future of AI. By securing significant financial backing, the firm continues to expand its footprint in a sector that is increasingly vital to technological and economic development worldwide.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
